Grosky tops in fundraising for Rockingham County Attorney race

Rockingham County Attorney candidate Jason Grosky announced on Monday that he raised more than $34,000 from campaign contributions. (COURTESY)

BRENTWOOD — Rockingham County Attorney candidate Jason Grosky announced that he raised more than $34,000 in campaign donations, more than each of his three competitors heading into the fall primary.

The Atkinson resident, who works as Salem’s police prosecutor, pointed out how he topped his opponents in fundraising just two weeks before voters in Rockingham County head to the polls.

“I think this shows that people believe we need an outsider to lead and to rebuild the Rockingham County Attorney's office,” Grosky said in a statement. “People are ready for a change and they believe strongly enough in my message to reach deep into their pockets to help out my campaign. I am just so humbled by the generosity and enthusiasm for my campaign.”

Grosky said the $34,224 all came from private donations. He spent $17,691, leaving him with roughly $16,000 in campaign funds.

Candidates were required to file state campaign finance reports by Aug. 20.

Grosky’s fundraising was trailed by candidate Michael DiCroce, who raised roughly $25,000. DiCroce, of Fremont, said he contributed roughly half of that money himself. DiCroce has roughly $7,500 left in funds.

“I thought we did well,” said DiCroce, who prosecutes district court cases for six towns. “It gave us the possibility to do a lot of stuff.”

Patricia Conway, an assistant county attorney from Salem, raised roughly $7,830 in campaign donations, but has a negative balance of $7,697. Michael Zaino, a Hillsborough assistant county attorney from Hampton, raised $7,230 and has spent $6,727.

The four-way race will decide who will face off against Democrat Joe Plaia, of Portsmouth, for the county’s top law enforcement job.

James Reams, of Hampton, held the job since 1998. He retired from office after the state accused him of sexually harassing employees, ethics violations and misusing a forfeiture account. Reams denied any wrongdoing.

Grosky said in his statement that he has been out nights and weekends, knocking on doors and meeting voters. “This race is about meeting the voters, spreading my message of reform and raising awareness about the county attorney’s office,” he said.

Grosky last month won the endorsement of the Salem Police Relief and Hampstead Patrolmen’s Union. DiCroce announced in June he has support of more than eight local chiefs and numerous prominent GOP activists. DiCroce said on Monday he believes the most important issue in the primary is choosing a candidate with the most experience to lead and restore credibility to the office.

As 2017 comes to a close, the New Hampshire Union Leader and Sunday News take a look back at some of the top stories in a year marked by crime, scandal, political milestones and business achievements.

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